A US$1 billion polysilicon manufacturing plant is already underway, and now a study funded by Qatar Petroleum states that Qatar’s potential to generate clean energy via solar thermal technology is “huge.” At 1,858 kWh per square meter thanks to the 9.5 hours of direct sunlight daily and low cloud cover year round, Qatar is in a position where it could really transform the relationship the region has with energy.

The prospects in Qatar are certain exciting; I have long said that Qatar is a compelling 21st century sustainability laboratory. Now it is time to stop talking, and start investing.